A Botrychium fern from Diane, SC

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Hi, Dr. Hill,
This plant has sprouted in a mostly sunny open woodland area in the Fall Line region. I came across it on Dec. 8 and, as far as I know, there are no similar plants anywhere in the woods around it. It is very young and each leaf is only a couple inches long at this time. Is it a native?

Thank you.
Diane

Hi Diane,

this is a native fern, typically it has a single leaf and when older it has spore cases on an upright portion of the leaf. It is usually up this time of year.  I call this one Botrychium biternatum. It is very similar to one called Botrychium dissectum, at least to a less dissected version of it.

Sincerely,

Steve Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

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